Assurant Employee Benefits Insurance Review
Overview
Assurant Employee Benefits is a division of Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Headquartered in New York's financial district, Assurant employs approximately 16,600 people worldwide.
Year of Establishment and Background Story
Assurant was founded in 1892 as the American Automobile Insurance Company. Over the years, it has grown through various mergers and acquisitions to become the Assurant we know today.
Key Milestones in the Company’s History and Growth
- 1892: Founded as the American Automobile Insurance Company.
- 2004: Assurant acquired American General Life Insurance Company.
- 2014: Assurant Employee Benefits continued to expand its dental network, becoming the largest dental PPO network in the nation with over 100,000 unique dental providers.
Regulatory Compliance and Licenses
Assurant Employee Benefits operates under various licenses and certifications, including those from Union Security Insurance Company and Union Security Life Insurance Company (New York). The specific licenses and certifications can be found on the company’s official website or through regulatory bodies.
Insurance Products and Services
Main Insurance Products
- Life Insurance: Assurant offers basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, and dependent life insurance. The coverage includes an online Will Preparation as part of the Assurant Answers TM program.
- Health Insurance: Assurant provides individual health and small employer group health insurance. The plan includes a Health Savings Account (HSA) with automatic enrollment and no employee contribution.
- Dental Insurance: Assurant offers group dental insurance through the largest dental PPO network in the nation, with over 100,000 unique dental providers.
- Disability Insurance: Assurant provides Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability insurance. The Long-Term Disability plan includes a work incentive benefit and offset amounts.
Coverage Options and Policy Details
- Life Insurance Coverage: Employees can purchase up to 5 times their basic annual pay, in units of $10,000, to a maximum of $500,000. Coverage can also be purchased for spouses and children.
- Health Insurance Coverage: The health insurance plan includes an annual out-of-pocket maximum and various deductibles for in-network and out-of-network services.
- Dental Insurance Coverage: The dental plan provides comprehensive coverage with a wide range of services, including preventive care and major procedures.
- Disability Insurance Coverage: The Short-Term Disability plan provides protection against temporary loss of income, while the Long-Term Disability plan offers financial support during extended periods of disability.
Additional Services
- Financial Advisory: Assurant does not explicitly mention financial advisory services, but it does offer various insurance products that can help manage financial risks.
- Retirement Planning: There is no specific mention of retirement planning services, but the company does offer a 401(k) plan as part of its benefits package.
- Claims Assistance: Assurant provides claims assistance through its dedicated claims process, ensuring that employees receive timely and efficient support in case of a claim.
Premiums and Pricing
Pricing Structure
- Life Insurance: Premium rates for life insurance vary based on the coverage amount and employee’s age. The rates are competitive compared to individual policies, with premiums paid through convenient payroll deductions.
- Health Insurance: Health insurance premiums are influenced by factors like age, health status, and family size. The company contributes to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to help employees manage out-of-pocket expenses.
- Dental Insurance: Dental insurance premiums are determined by the type of coverage chosen and the provider network. The largest dental PPO network in the nation helps reduce claim costs and lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Comparative Analysis with Industry Averages
While specific comparative data is not provided, Assurant’s competitive pricing structure and extensive network of providers suggest that its premiums are competitive within the industry.
Discounts and Special Offers
- Available Discounts: There are no specific discounts mentioned for Assurant Employee Benefits. However, the company may offer promotional deals or limited-time offers, which can be found on their official website or through customer service channels.
- Promotional Deals and Limited-Time Offers: Assurant occasionally runs promotional campaigns or offers limited-time discounts. These are typically announced through their official website, social media channels, or email notifications to policyholders.
Customer Service and Support
Contact Methods
- Available Customer Service Channels: Assurant provides multiple customer service channels, including phone, email, and possibly live chat. The availability of these channels can be confirmed through their official website or customer service department.
- Availability of 24/7 Support and Multilingual Assistance: While specific details about 24/7 support and multilingual assistance are not provided, many insurance companies offer these services to ensure customer convenience and satisfaction.
Pros and Cons of Assurant Employee Benefits Insurance
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage: Assurant offers a wide range of insurance products, including life, health, dental, and disability insurance, providing comprehensive coverage for various aspects of employee wellbeing.
- Competitive Premiums: The company’s competitive pricing structure ensures that employees receive affordable insurance options.
- Extensive Network: The largest dental PPO network and extensive provider network help reduce claim costs and improve customer satisfaction.
- Employee Support: Assurant prioritizes employee wellbeing by offering generous paid time off, including 13 paid holidays and flexible days for mental health and family care.
Cons
- Limited Information on Specific Discounts: There is no specific information provided about available discounts or promotional deals, which might be a drawback for some customers.
- Complexity of Plans: The variety of insurance products and plans might make it complex for employees to navigate and choose the best options for their needs.
Conclusion
Assurant Employee Benefits offers a comprehensive range of insurance products and services, including life, health, dental, and disability insurance. The company’s competitive pricing structure and extensive provider network make it a reliable choice for employees seeking comprehensive coverage. Additionally, Assurant prioritizes employee wellbeing through generous paid time off and flexible days for mental health and family care.
Employees seeking comprehensive coverage for various aspects of their wellbeing, including life, health, dental, and disability, would benefit most from Assurant Employee Benefits. Additionally, employees who value competitive pricing and extensive provider networks would find Assurant’s offerings appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Assurant Employee Benefits Insurance
Answers to Common Questions About the Company’s Policies, Claims Process, and More
- What types of insurance does Assurant offer?
Assurant offers life, health, dental, and disability insurance.
- How do I purchase life insurance coverage?
Employees can purchase life insurance coverage through payroll deductions, with options ranging from $20,000 to $500,000.
- What is the process for filing a claim?
The claims process typically involves contacting the company’s customer service department, providing necessary documentation, and following the outlined steps on the company’s website.
- Are there any discounts available for policyholders?
There is no specific information provided about available discounts, but promotional deals and limited-time offers might be announced through the company’s official website or customer service channels.
References
- [1] https://jobs.assurant.com/en/blog/latest-news/assurant-s-commitment-to-employee-paid-leave-transparency/
- [2] https://www.hralliance.net/cofiles/23437_8a0c3a33/files/Assurant%20Packet.pdf
- [3] https://www.myassurantbenefits.com/documents/librariesprovider26/eligibility-and-enrollment-resources/2022-new-hire-guide.pdf
- [4] https://www.myassurantbenefits.com/documents/librariesprovider26/plan-documents-resources/assurant-health-and-welfare-benefit-plan-summary-plan-description.pdf
- [5] https://www.assurant.com/newsroom-detail/NewsReleases/2014/May/Assurant-Employee-Benefits-Offers-Largest-Dental--PPO-Network-for-Consumers